Lacking innovation

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Fast-paced, epic and accessible, Microsoft's hack'n'slash sequel
will entertain role-playing novices but disappoint veterans looking
for more depth and innovation. Quests usually involve slogging from
A to B, maiming and pillaging along the way. Allies and creatures
can assist, although the team adds chaos rather than strategy to
battles. As characters gather experience, they specialise in magic,
melee or ranged weapons. Heroic powers further complement your
warrior's skills.

There is a huge amount of loot to collect and it is satisfying
equipping your party with the coolest gear. Experimenting with
dazzling spells is also fun. Combat is repetitive (attack, retreat,
heal) but new enemies are always around the corner as you progress
through dungeons, deserts and forests. Four friends can enjoy
online adventures together.

Xbox

SCAR

Red Ant, G, RRP $70, Also PS2, PC, * *
½

Success in this unusual driving simulation rests on customising
your driver rather than your car. Like a role-playing game,
abilities can be improved in various attributes such as
intimidation, which can force rivals off the track when tailgating.
Drive badly and your own composure will drop, making the screen
blurry and raising the chances of losing control of your vehicle.
Car handling is realistic and demanding, but the sense of speed is
disappointingly pedestrian. Opponents are aggressive, frequently
shunting and taking full advantage of passing opportunities.

Mistakes can be rectified by rewinding time, but the function
only rewinds so briefly that calamity is often unavoidable. Many
tracks and challenges are available, yet they feel repetitive with
only Alpha Romeo cars to drive. Gran Turismo or Forza remain better
options for driving enthusiasts.

PlayStation 2

Resident Evil Outbreak File 2

Capcom, MA15+, RRP $90, * *

Too little, too late. The original Outbreak was meant to be a
flagship online PS2 title but was hobbled for local release. This
sequel finally lets Australians co-operate with faraway players
while battling relentless zombies, but seems archaic after
GameCube's magnificent Resident Evil 4. Controls are as slow and
cumbersome as the lurching zombies. Without headset support you use
simple commands to communicate with fellow players to solve banal
puzzles and fight the hordes of undead. It is worse alone, as
unresponsive and itinerant computer allies rarely offer genuine
assistance and pilfer important items.

Presentation is terrific and improvements include shorter load
times, plus the chance to grab items while felled or move while
aiming. Atmospheric locations include the city zoo, an asylum and
an underground station. But Outbreak is more frustrating than
fun.